Can I use another type of cheese instead of processed cheese?

Yes. You can swap the processed cheese for a mix of mild cheddar and mozzarella. Use cheeses that melt easily, and adjust the salt because some natural cheeses are saltier.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it, and chill for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time until hot and bubbling.

Ultra-creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a simple white sauce and loads of melty cheese—an easy, budget-friendly Filipino-style merienda.

Cheese-Pull Merienda Mac & Cheese Bake

Name: Cheese-Pull Merienda Mac & Cheese Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: elbow macaroni, uncooked; salt for pasta water; unsalted butter; plain (all-purpose) flour; fresh milk; melty processed cheese block, cut into small cubes; fine salt; ground black pepper; melty processed cheese, thinly sliced; spring onions, finely chopped

Looking for a cheesy, comforting, and budget-friendly merienda? This Filipino-style baked mac and cheese delivers big flavour and maximum cheese pulls using pantry staples. It's rich, ultra-creamy, and topped with a bubbly golden cheese crust—perfect for kids, potlucks, or even baon.

🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients – You only need elbow macaroni, milk, flour, butter, and your favourite melting cheese.
Big Cheese Pull Energy – Sliced cheese topping gives that satisfying cheesy stretch.
Perfect for Sharing – Bake it in one large dish or divide into mini foil containers for baon or parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

🧀 Key Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni – The classic shape for holding onto all that luscious cheese sauce.
Processed Cheese – Filipino-style cheese blocks melt smoothly and give that signature cheesy flavour.
Milk + Roux Base – A simple béchamel sauce brings the whole thing together.

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni

Boil salted water, cook macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Off the heat, stir in cheese cubes until fully melted and season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine and Assemble

Toss cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheese slices.

4. Bake and Serve

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F for 12–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest briefly before serving, and garnish with chopped spring onions or parsley.

👩‍🍳 Tips for Success

Salt your pasta water generously—it’s your first layer of seasoning.
Don’t overcook the macaroni; it’ll cook a bit more in the oven.
Add hotdogs, shredded chicken, or bacon for extra flavour and texture.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a more natural cheese option.

❓ FAQ

Can I use another cheese?

Yes! Try mozzarella and mild cheddar for a natural melt, just watch the salt content.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving—add a few extra minutes in the oven.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair it with fried chicken, garlic bread, or a light salad. For baon, portion into individual foil containers and reheat in the oven or toaster for best results.